Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
351. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to monitor mink hunting with dogs, including the actions to prevent these hunts disrupting other wildlife and hunting otters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32223/23]
View answer362. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ban mink hunting, given that the activity poses a threat to the otter species and causes massive disturbance to otter habitats both of which are protected under national and EU legislation. [32394/23]
View answerMink are not protected under the Wildlife Acts, hence landowners and their agents do not need permission or licences from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to control their numbers. It should be noted that the methods used must be humane and do not endanger any protected species.
However, where there are suspected breaches of the Wildlife Acts, this is investigated by NPWS staff who have powers of enforcement to deal with wildlife crime. An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the same legislation to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute if appropriate. An Garda Síochána are also authorised under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
In every case, consideration must be and is given to a range of issues, including whether it is considered that the evidence of a crime is sufficient, before a decision is taken whether or not to proceed with seeking a prosecution.
In 2009, the NPWS commissioned a very detailed review of control and monitoring techniques used for mink. The report is published in full here: www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM40.pdf
The review explored the different strategies used in mink control; focusing on eradications, control over large areas, and intensive control at sites specifically for bird conservation. Recommendations for techniques and strategies were made for potential mink control projects in Ireland. NPWS is engaged in some mink control techniques in various locations across Ireland particularly in relation to important ground-nesting bird sites such as corncrakes, curlew and grey partridge. These species are considered to be most vulnerable to mink predation.
The NPWS has recently begun a new national otter survey. This survey will examine the distribution and abundance of the otter nationally and provide an updated assessment of the conservation status of the species. Fieldwork is currently underway and the final report on this survey is due for publication in early 2025. The last national survey (2010-2012) found the otter to be widespread and in favourable conservation status.
There is no provision in the Wildlife Act which would facilitate a ministerial ban on the hunting of mink. Any decision to ban mink hunting would need to be considered jointly by the relevant government departments and agencies and in consultation with stakeholders.
The NPWS is working to review, consolidate and where appropriate amend the Wildlife Acts and the Birds and Habitats Regulations. The updates to this legislation will be wide-ranging but will have a particular focus on deterrence and on improving the enforceability of wildlife laws.
